New Delhi 21 Oct.: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today, October 21, 2025, laid a wreath at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi to mark Police Commemoration Day. The day holds historical significance, honoring the ten valiant policemen who were martyred in an ambush by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959.
In a stirring address, the Raksha Mantri paid rich tributes to the fallen heroes and expressed deep gratitude to the police and paramilitary forces for their unwavering service to the nation. He described the Armed Forces and Police Forces as the “pillars of national security,” emphasizing that while the military safeguards the country’s geographical integrity, the police maintain social integrity.
“The military and police function on different platforms, but their mission is the same – to protect the nation. As we look towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, balancing the external and internal security of the nation is more important than ever,” Shri Singh stated.
Addressing Modern Challenges
Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the evolving security landscape, noting instability on the borders alongside new types of challenges emerging within society, including organised crime, terrorism, and ideological wars. He commended the police for not only fulfilling their official duty of preventing crime but also for their moral duty of maintaining public trust.
“If people are sleeping peacefully today, it’s due to their confidence in our vigilant Armed Forces and alert police. This confidence is the foundation of our country’s stability,” he asserted.
Naxalism on the Decline
The Raksha Mantri dedicated a significant portion of his address to the success in combating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). He credited the concerted efforts of the police, CRPF, BSF, and local administration for preventing the problem from escalating.
Expressing confidence in the final resolution of the challenge, he said, “Several top Naxalites have been eliminated this year… The number of districts affected by left-wing extremism has come down drastically. Areas that were once Naxalite hubs are now becoming educational hubs. Areas that were once known as the Red Corridor have now transformed into growth corridors.” He exuded confidence that the LWE problem will be eradicated by March next year.
Government’s Commitment to Modernisation
Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s commitment to bolstering the police forces. He recalled the establishment of the National Police Memorial in 2018 to honour their contributions.
The Raksha Mantri noted that police forces are being provided with state-of-the-art resources, including surveillance systems, drones, forensic labs, and digital policing, urging for optimal utilisation through better coordination and integration among security agencies.
He concluded by stressing the need for a balanced and mutually understanding relationship between the police and society, stating, “Policing can function effectively only when citizens work as partners and respect the law.”
The event concluded with a joint parade of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Delhi Police, and was attended by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, DG BSF Shri Daljit Singh Chawdhary, and other senior officials from the police and security fraternity.
